Bhubaneswar: Prominent Buddhist historian Prabir Kumar Patnaik and Odia Asmita warrior Anita Sabat, two people who have made significant contributions to the culture, history and identity of Odisha, were felicitated at a function organised by the cultural forum ‘Nabagunjara’ at the Buddha Temple hall in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
Prabir Kumar Patnaik was honored with the ‘Nabagunjara Samman’. He was presented with a certificate, Uttariya and prize money of Rs 25,000. Anita Sabat was presented with the ‘Young Talent’ Award.
Eminent educationist and former chancellor Professor Prafulla Kumar Mishra attended the function as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the time has come to strongly present Odisha’s historical ties with the Buddhist tradition.
Eminent writer Dash Benhur aka Jitendra Narayan Dash welcomed the culture lovers and presented interesting information about the institution of ‘Nabagunjara’.
President of Nabagunjara Institute, Dr Umakant Mishra lauded the outstanding work of researcher Prabir Kumar Patnaik and Anita Sabat in establishing Odia Asmita nationally and internationally. Patnaik has presented convincing facts that the birthplace of the second Buddha Padmasambhava is in ancient Odisha. Dr Anita Sabat explained the importance of GI tags for various unique food products like rasgola of Odisha, Sambalpuri handicrafts, Pipili Chandua, silver filigree etc.
